Krampus Review (Observer Archive from December 14, 2015)
There’s no denying that everyone knows who Santa Claus, or jolly old St. Nicholas, is and what he represents to the Christmas holiday. But only recently has America become fascinated with the folklore of Krampus, said to be the shadow of St. Nicholas who punishes the naughty children. While there are many variations as to how he punishes, it can be said that director Michael Dougherty’s film simply titled Krampus will become a definitive version for fans of his work. The plot of the film concerns the holiday gathering of two families for Christmas. It’s apparent with their differing lifestyles that they don’t get along, and although Max, the younger child of the hosting family, writes a letter to Santa wishing everyone would get along, his cousins mock his letter in front of everyone. To him, this is the final straw and he renounces Christmas and his family and rips up his letter. As soon as he does this...